Raising Voices Against Gender-Based Violence

The European Union Delegation to Ghana has rejuvenated efforts in the battle against gender-based violence, calling upon women to speak out and pursue justice against all forms of inhumane treatment. This imperative was expressed during the “Women Speak” event, which recognized the ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,’ a global initiative by the United Nations.

During the event, Massimo Mina, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ghana, highlighted that gender-based violence remains a significant hurdle in achieving true gender equality and empowering women. He emphasized collective activism as a necessary approach to tackling this pervasive challenge.

“As we delve into the complexities of gender-based violence, it’s essential to recognize that each of us has a role to play in fostering a world devoid of fear and discrimination,” Mina stated. He affirmed that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also pivotal for sustainable development and prosperity.

In his address, Mina stressed the importance of reinforcing multi-stakeholder collaborations and involving men and boys in reshaping social norms regarding sexual and gender-based violence. He reiterated the EU’s commitment to advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment through its Gender Action Plan III, which aims for at least 85 percent of all new external actions to include “gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment” as a key or principal objective by 2027.

“The EU Delegation to Ghana has been steadfast in its dedication to this objective through various initiatives across multiple sectors, including education, economic empowerment, social protection, and governance, all aimed at enhancing the lives of women and girls,” he added.

Sheila Minkah-Premo, a guest speaker from Apex Lawconsult Ghana, also stressed the necessity for unified global action to combat gender-based violence. “Reflecting on this year’s theme emphasizes the critical need for collective efforts to tackle this prominent issue that persists in every nation, including our own,” she noted.

Minkah-Premo pointed out that violence against women serves as a deeply ingrained societal mechanism, enforcing female subordination. She cited the Beijing Platform for Action, which underscores the urgency of eradicating all forms of violence to attain gender equality, empower women, and ensure their full participation in every sphere of life.

The acts or threats of violence, whether in domestic settings or societal contexts, create fear and insecurity, constituting significant barriers to equality, development, and peace. This fear restricts women’s mobility and limits their access to essential resources and opportunities, thus imposing both social and economic costs on individuals and society at large.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign serves as a global platform aimed at enhancing awareness, motivating action, and renewing our collective commitment to eradicating violence against women and girls.

This year’s event theme, “Beyond Beijing+30: Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Women’s Rights,” holds significant weight in revitalizing commitments made over the years. Nearly three decades ago, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action laid out a comprehensive framework for advancing gender equality and empowering women. While some progress has been noted, gender-based violence continues to obstruct the realization of these crucial objectives.